COVID-19 - The “Proclamation of Emergency” signed by the Whatcom County Executive concerning COVID-19 remains in effect. 

Sever Weather Damage 21-18 Emergency Proclamation by the Governor:  Covers the severe wind and rainstorm event that began on November 12, 2021.  https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/21-18%20-%20Severe%20Weather%20Damage%20%28tmp%29.pdf

UPDATE:  

The United States has announced that fully vaccinated, non-citizen travelers with appropriate documentation will be permitted to enter the United States for non-essential travel via land Ports Of Entry and ferry terminals starting on November 8, 2021 and has released this fact sheet to assist those entering the United States. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2021/10/29/fact-sheet-guidance-travelers-enter-us-land-ports-entry-and-ferry-terminals.

Canada allows fully vaccinated Americans to visit Canada with these Canadian requirements:  https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/gbi-rgf-eng.html.

AIR STAGNATION ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL11:00am PST this morning.  A period of stagnant air is expected, which could result in deteriorating air quality causing poor air quality
SR 20 Both Directions. Single-lane closure via a temporary signal on SR 20 between MP 113.7 and 114.  Alos, SR-20 is closed for the season at MP 134/Ross Dam Trailhead on the west side of the Cascades and MP 178 Early Winters Campground on the east side of the Cascades.

Inland Weather

Today will be mostly sunny with high temperatures around the county in the 40s. Coastal areas and lowlands will be in the mid-40s with the foothills a few degrees warmer.  Winds will be light and variable. Tonight, temperatures will drop into the 30s.  While most of the readings are above the freezing level, pockets of colder air will exist and cause the temperature to be below the breezing level and maybe drop into the upper 20s. The Glenhaven area saw lows in the mid-20s this morning even though 30 was forecast.  That would enable frost to form on roads and bridges.  Tomorrow, we'll still see the sun for a portion of the day but clouds will roll  in showers will develop tomorrow night with a steady rain to follow on Sunday.  The wind will pickup tomorrow night along the coast and interior lowlands; gusts from the south/southeast could get up to 20mph.  Highs will still reach into the 40s and lows will drop into the 30s.  There could be some periods of rain mixed with snow on Sunday night but no accumulation is expected.  Newhalem could see some accumulation of snow Monday and Monday night.

Rivers and Stream

The river level will rise a foot or two over Sunday and Monday from the rain but that will pose no issues.  The exception would be locations where water still is sitting in the ditches or fields.  More rain will likely see more pooling in those locations and could possible push out into the roadway in low areas.  Beware of water over the road, and always have an alternate route of travel in your back pocket.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

High pressure remains in place another day, with  light winds and areas of fog over the inland waters. The next  frontal system will arrive over the weekend with increasing winds  and building seas early next week.    Winds. Today:  SE wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. Tonight:  S wind to 10 kt becoming SE after midnight. Wind waves  1 ft or less. Patchy fog after midnight.   Tomorrow:  SE wind to 10 kt becoming S in the afternoon. Wind waves  less than 1 ft. Patchy fog in the morning. A slight chance of  rain in the afternoon.   Tomorrow Night:  SE wind 5 to 15 kt becoming 10 to 20 kt after  midnight. Wind waves less than 1 ft becoming 1 ft or less after  midnight.  SUNDAY:  S wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less.  SUNDAY NIGHT SW wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. 
 

Emergency Management Tips and Reminders

Winter Travel

Winter travel can be extremely dangerous.  Cold temperatures, snow, ice are only a few of the hazards you can encounter when traveling in the the Winter.  Some of the things you should consider are as follows:

Have your car checked to make sure all parts are in good working order.  Tires should have good tread, all lights should be working, and windshield wipers should be changed if they do not provide a clean sweep of moisture on the windshield.

If there is snow on your vehicle, clean as much snow off your vehicle as possible.  Windows should be completely clean for maximum visibility.  Snow left on the hood of your vehicle can blow across your windshield and fog or cloud up inside due to the temperature change (another reason to clean all snow off your vehicle).  Headlights, brake lights, direction lights, etc. should all be clean again to make other drivers see you and know your intentions.

Make sure you have a Winter Safety Kit in you car that contains:  flashlight with extra batteries, cell phone and charger, extra blanket and clothes, high-energy food and water, games to keep children occupied, small shovel, sand or mat for traction if you encounter icy conditions, among other things deemed necessary.

If you are running your car to remain warm, remember to leave a window open to prevent a build-up of carbon monoxide.

Before leaving on a trip, call ahead and let someone know the time you are departing and your route of travel.  Likewise, upon arrival at your destination, let contact know you have arrived.

COVID-19

Information concerning face coverings and other protective actions can be found on the Whatcom County Health Department Website.

These Daily Briefings on Incidents, Advisories, Watches and Warnings, current weather and Emergency Management tips are published Monday through Friday, as well as during times of increased awareness or actual events.